Liverpool identify Bundesliga star as potential Virgil Van Dijk successor amidst contract extension dilemma: Reports

Liverpool have earmarked Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as a potential replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk, as per Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk.

Tah, 28, has established himself as a crucial first-team starter for Xabi Alonso's side since leaving Hamburg for £8 million in 2015. He has helped his club lift one Bundesliga title, one DFB Pokal trophy, and a DFL-Supercup crown so far.

Earlier this summer, the 29-cap Germany international was heavily linked with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. However, Vincent Kompany's side failed to meet Leverkusen's demand of a package worth around £25 million, according to Caught Offside.

In his Fact Files column for Caught Offside, Falk provided insight into Tah's future with the player currently in the final 10 months of his Leverkusen contract. He wrote:

"[Apart from Bayern Munich], there's another outfit to keep an eye on – Liverpool. In the far-flung future, they will need a successor for Virgil van Dijk. Jonathan Tah could be that for [them]. They are also on the table at this time."

Revealing why Liverpool could win the race to sign Tah, Falk added:

"I think the big advantage for Liverpool in the race for Tah is that the Premier League was always his big, big dream. There will always be rumours linking him with a move to Newcastle [United]. However, if [the Reds] were to knock on his door, there's perhaps a big chance that he'll be playing in the Premier League next season."

So far, Tah has made a whopping 357 appearances across all competitions for Leverkusen. The right-footed towering centre-back has scored 14 goals and laid out 12 assists for his current club so far.

Van Dijk, on the other hand, is in the final year of his Reds contract.

Liverpool aiming to snap up 20-year-old

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are keeping tabs on England international Adam Wharton's development at Crystal Palace. They are said to be keen to launch a move to sign the player next summer.

Wharton, 20, has emerged as one of England's best holding midfield talents since joining the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers for an initial £18 million earlier this January. He has provided four assists in 20 matches across all competitions for Oliver Glasner's side so far.

Should the left-footed midfielder secure a move to Arne Slot's side, he could prove to be a brilliant investment for them. He would provide healthy competition to Ryan Gravenberch in the number six role.